Heading to Boar’s Head a tasty idea

Clare Kelly tries something a bit different when she treats her parents

For many years I’ve driven past The Boar’s Head, in Barton, on my way to the Lake District, Lancaster, Barton Grange, the canal and so on... and yet this week was the first time I stopped by.

As is so often the case, there are a lot of places on my doorstep – or at least not too far away or en route to other venues – which I have often neglected to visit.

As someone who doesn’t like parking in tight spaces or driving through narrow entrances to car parks, I thought this may be the case here but was pleasantly surprised to find a large and spacious car park – with a picturesque village church facing it.

Passing a beer garden, we walked in via the main entry, going past a games area.

We were greeted by a friendly and efficient barmaid who invited us to sit anywhere. There were other customers while we were there, coming and going, but the pub was not busy. Then again, we had arrived about 5.30pm so probably a quieter time for any pub.

I had a tea, while mum had a half pint and dad had a pint.

The menu had a wide variety – including two for £10 meals (Monday to Friday), vegetarian mains, starters, gourmet burgers, pub classics, from the chargrill and sandwiches.

Mum and dad opted for two for £10 meals, going for fish and chips and ham, egg and chips respectively. I decided on something a little bit different.

I was dining at the Boar’s Head so why not eat a wild boar burger? Costing £8.95, it came with chips, onion rings, and was topped with melted cheese and crispy bacon. We opted for a side dish of garlic bread (£2.50) as well. I also asked for a fried egg to go with my burger for an extra £1.

We did not have to wait long for our meals. My mum enjoyed her fish and chips, the fish batter was just right, there was plenty of fish and the chips were of a good size. Dad’s egg was not runny and he liked the amount of ham.

My burger – which was thick, quite spicy and flavoursome – was delicious. With the lettuce, tomato, toasted cheese, bacon and fried egg, it proved quite a feast. Alas, I confess I struggled with the chips and onion rings – but only because I was so full.

I like the fact that there was the bargain option which offers more typical pub grub, and then there’s quirkier options like wild boar burger. The menu also states that, where possible, food is locally sourced, another positive.

Feeling satisfied and full to the brim, we vowed to make a return visit.